HERE COMES THE SONS with Porreca Constructions

Mark Porreca established the residential building company, Porreca Constructions, in the 1990s, shortly after beginning his career in the ACT residential building sector. Porreca Constructions deliver new homes, knockdown rebuilds and other speciality residential projects. Considering Mark’s obvious passion for the construction industry, it may come as a surprise to learn that carpentry was the second trade Mark mastered.

Mark left school at an early age to complete a butchery apprenticeship in his hometown of Narooma. Though he loved the butchery trade and appreciated the great work ethic it instilled in him, Mark was drawn to construction.

In the late 80s, Mark left butchery to begin working with his uncle, Silvio Porreca, who affectionately nicknamed him the ‘wood butcher’. Silvio was a Canberra-based bricklayer and a jack of all trades who mentored Mark through building projects and throughout his carpentry apprenticeship.

Mark’s hard work paid off and his exceptional skills and attitude were recognised when he became MBA Group Training’s Apprentice of the Year in 1990.

Mark established himself as a reputable builder and, as his family grew, he shared his passion for construction with his sons, Aaron, Andrew and Justin.

Mark’s sons shadowed him at work from a young age and Mark took care to show the boys what was involved in various projects. Mark had a knack for mentorship and consistently endeavoured to support tradesmen at the start of their careers. He afforded many young tradies the opportunity to enter the industry and grow at Porreca Constructions. Most of the tradies that started with Mark at that time have now been working successfully in the industry for many years. The network of support, dedication and skill that Mark gave to others in the industry had a large impact on all involved, especially his sons.

In 2015, Aaron, Andrew and Justin re-opened Porreca Constructions after the company paused operations. Prior to deciding to continue their father’s legacy, Aaron completed a bachelor’s degree in Building and Construction Management at the University of Canberra, and Andrew and Justin earned their Certificate III in Carpentry through MBA Group Training.

Mark commented, ‘I am very proud of my boys following in my footsteps. After the early years of them shadowing me and taking the time to learn about the industry, it’s great to see their hard work paying off.’

Aaron, Andrew and Justin recognised that the opportunity to run a family business and manage their own work was incredibly valuable, especially with the strong reputation that their father built in the industry. Mark taught them that the ACT construction industry can provide a very rewarding career if you are willing to take calculated risks, back yourself and work hard.

Under Aaron, Andrew and Justin’s ownership, Porreca Constructions has recently expanded to include terrace and townhouse projects. Like their father, the three men prioritise providing quality, affordable housing to Canberrans. With that goal in mind, the Porreca family are particularly proud of their work in Ginninderry and South Jerrabomberra. With a family mindset at the heart of operations, Porreca Constructions will continue to build beautiful homes for Canberrans for many more decades to come.